Abstract: A microfiche and a microfilm reader comprising automatic positioning of the film stage, characterized by the following features:(a) the microfiche (MFK) is provided with an index (2) of the information present in its individual images and of their x,y coordinates in optically coded form and with a timing track (4),(b) the reader comprises a read head (19) with electronic-optical sensors to read the optically coded index on the microfiche (MFK),(c) an electronic read/write memory (20) for storing the index (2) is connected to the read head (19),(d) provision is made for an alphanumeric keyboard (27) to feed-in a search concept (search key) and followed by an encoder (26) and a register (25) for storing the coded keyboard input,(e) a comparator (24) is connected to the memory (20) of the index (2) and the register (25) of the coded keyboard input, which determines the agreement between the search key and a concept present in the index,(f) the comparator (24) and the memory of the index are followed by appropria

Abstract: Control apparatus including a keyboard is provided for a slide projector to control operation of the slide projector in various predetermined modes to perform predetermined functions. Various functions are executed by the slide projector in response to the keyboard inputs. The keyboard includes an array of digit keys for the numerals 0 through 9 and various other function keys. Actuation of each of the function keys directly corresponds to either a function to be accomplished by the control apparatus or to a command mode input. Actuation of the digit keys provides designation of particular slide address numbers and also provides predetermined mode command inputs. The slide projector and control apparatus include an associated cassette tape recorder/player.

Abstract: A slide tray position sensing arrangement is provided for slide projector apparatus. The slide tray position sensing arrangement is arranged at a detection station. A coded aperture ring is provided that moves in a manner correlated to the movement of a slide tray turntable. The slide tray turntable carries the slide tray that holds the slides for projection and also functions as a tray transport arrangement. The coded aperture ring includes two circumferential arrays of apertures. Each of the apertures in the first array corresponds to a controlled slide position of a first tray type; e.g., an 80 slide tray. Each of the apertures in the second array corresponds to a controlled side position of a second tray type; e.g., a 140 slide tray. The slide tray position sensing arrangement is controllable to selectively sense the appropriate array of apertures corresponding to the slide tray type being utilized.

Abstract: Control apparatus is provided for a slide projector to accurately control rotation of a slide tray to predetermined slide positions of the slide tray and to provide integrated control of the slide change function at each slide position. The control apparatus operates in a forced mode between slide positions and operates in a servo mode to accurately position the slide tray at each of the predetermined slide positions. The detection of the slide positions utilizes a circumferential, apertured ring carried on a movable turntable that also carries the slide tray; the ring including a single incremental position aperture corresponding to each of the slide positions. Dual photodetectors are positioned at a sensing station to sense the respective slide position apertures, to provide differential position feedback detection signals in a servo loop, to interrupt the forced mode of operation and for controlling the stopping and positioning of the slide tray to a selected slide position in the servo mode.

Abstract: An integrated electronic dynamic alpha/numeric message and picture display system for simultaneously displaying photographic or poster-type pictures with alpha/numeric message texts. The programmed coded electrical information generating the text is also mixed with coded information to simultaneously control the visibility and presentation time of selected pictures from a series or array of accompanying pictures. In this manner it is possible to selectively generate text of any practical length while at the same time presenting to the viewer accompanying related pictures.

Abstract: A slide tray position sensing arrangement is provided for slide projector apparatus. The slide tray position sensing arrangement is arranged at a detection station. A coded aperture ring is provided that moves in a manner correlated to the movement of a slide tray turntable. The slide tray turntable carries the slide tray that holds the slides for projection and also functions as a tray transport arrangement. The coded aperture ring includes two circumferential arrays of apertures. Each of the apertures in the first array corresponds to a controlled slide position of a first tray type; e.g., an 80 slide position tray. Each of the apertures in the second array corresponds to a controlled slide position of a second tray type; e.g., a 140 slide position tray.

Abstract: A disc film holder holds a generally disc-like photographic film unit having a plurality of image frames and indexes and disc-like photographic film unit to position selected image frames at a predetermined position, such as a print gate aperture in a photographic printer. The disc-like film unit is held coaxially about a central post and is rotationally indexed about a central axis. When the film unit is rotated for indexing a selected image frame to the print gate aperture, the film unit is biased upwardly to an indexing position so that both the top and bottom surfaces of the film is maintained out of contact with any surface during rotation. When the disc has been indexed so that the selected image is in alignment with the print gate aperture, the film unit is forced downwardly to a non-indexing position and the frame to be printed is clamped at the print gate aperture for transferring an image to photographic print paper.

Abstract: The slide projector includes a side-by-side image-projection systems and a circular slide tray, with slides passing in operation directly between the slide tray and either of two slide gates, the slide gates moving between a first position in which slides are acquired and released, and a second position in which slides are projected onto a screen. A slide lifter, a slide tray lock, slide clamps on each slide gate, and the slide gates are operated in a particular sequence relative to the movement of the slide tray to insure proper handling of the slides in the projector. The slide tray fits on a central hub which in turn is independently driven. Sensors are provided to continuously detect the position of the lifter, the slide gates, and the slide tray. A front end assembly which incorporates lenses which move laterally and vertically, with the longitudinal axes of the lenses remaining parallel at all times, provides precise image alignment, including image overlap and separation.

Abstract: A microfilm cartridge storage, retrieval, and projection system is disclosed. The system includes a vertically-oriented cylindrical cartridge storage drum which has a plurality of overlying tiers, each tier including successive side-by-side compartments which are oriented along radials of the cylinder and are adapted to hold a microfilm cartridge. Cartridge receiving and projection head means are mounted proximate the compartments of the drum, and are adapted for receiving a cartridge from a compartment in operative opposition thereto and for optically projecting a selected film frame of the cartridge. Cartridge displacement means mounted proximate the compartments of the drum, are adapted for displacing a cartridge in operative opposition thereto, which is then engaged by the receiving and projection head means. Orienting means are provided to enable relative vertical displacement between the drum, and each of the cartridge receiving and projection head means and the cartridge displacement means.

Abstract: A merchandising terminal is provided for recommending a product, such as a lipstick of appropriate color, which matches the needs of a particular customer who is unskilled in the selection of the product. The terminal includes a projector that displays a succession of images on a console screen, such as groups of questions related to the facial and body characteristics of the customer. A switch apparatus is operable by a person viewing the screen, to select which of several conditions most closely corresponds to that person, such as which of several skin colors most closely matches that of the viewer and which of several other conditions such as hair color most closely corresponds to that of the viewer. A logic circuit receives signals representing the various individual characteristics specified by a person, and generates an output indicating the particular products, such as a particular lipstick, facial cream, etc., which are most appropriate to the characteristics of that person.

Abstract: A microfiche reader is disclosed herein and includes a projection screen and an optical arrnagement adapted to cooperate with a microfiche for providing an enlarged image of the latter on the screen. The reader also includes an assembly for supporting the microfiche for planar movement within the confines of a given area. This support assembly utilizes a carriage for containing the microfiche and, in one embodiment, the carriage is itself supported by a particular diagonal array of bearings whereas, in another embodiment, it is supported by an array of living hinges.

Abstract: A microfiche reader and/or enlarger has a housing provided with an opening. The microfiches are stored in hard-cover files having a pair of covers between which a series of pockets is located, with the individual pockets being connected to one another and the two end pockets each being connected to one of the covers. When the covers are moved from parallel to coplanar position the pockets assume a fan-shaped outline; when the file is attached to the opening in this position with the pockets projecting into the housing, inner open ends of the pockets are accessible to a gripper on a pivot arm which can be moved opposite any selected one of the open ends. The gripper can then extract the microfiche from the selected pocket and subsequently reinsert it thereinto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the insertion of microfiche cards into a microfiche reader comprising a plurality of microfiche cards, each card having an image aperture part and a blank part with a perforation in one of the two corner areas of the blank part, a magazine containing a plurality of microfiche cards, the magazine being equipped at a location corresponding to the perforation of the microfiche card with a shaft, releasable from the magazine, the shaft extending through the perforations in the microfiche cards as a holder and a rotational axis for movement of the microfiche cards, and being open on a first lateral surface adjacent the shaft and on a second lateral surface perpendicular to the first lateral surface and facing away from the shaft, a film stage and magazine stage arrangement adapted for receiving the magazine wherein the magazine is positioned on the magazine stage such that the first open lateral surface of the magazine is pointing toward the film stage and the distance between the shaft a

Abstract: A multi-item data input apparatus for manual generation of data to designate selected ones of a plurality of items comprises lists of items visibly written in matrix array form on a number of sheets, with the sheets being rolled around a cylindrical holder in successively overlapping relationship. Means are provided for unrolling a selected one of the sheets such as to position the corresponding item array below a keyboard having a transparent key above each item. Actuation of a key causes an electrical signal designating the corresponding item to be generated.

Abstract: A selective Real Estate Display System including an enclosure which may be provided within a real estate office or in a separate structure adjacent to a real estate office, a slide projector, in the enclosure, provided with a substantial number of slides comprised of a sequential arrangement of group of slides, the picture images on the slides of each group dealing with a particular real estate category such as three bedroom, two bath homes, etc. A rear projection screen mounted in a wall of the enclosure is directed toward a parking area for viewing by the occupants of a vehicle in the area, and a selector box on a post, positioned adjacent to the parking area, includes a plurality of push buttons, one for each category of real estate, for selective operation by a vehicle occupants while seated in the vehicle. A voice commentary from a multi-cartridge tapedeck is projected from a speaker atop the selector box.

Abstract: A number of format films carrying fixed information to be recorded together with computer output information given by a magnetic tape are vertically stacked in a cassette. The cassette is supported on a vertically movable cassette support. At a predetermined level which is of the same level as a projection station where the format film is brought and the image of the film is projected there is provided a format film gripping device. The format film gripping device has a fixed arm and a swingable arm which are opened at the cassette and closed to grip one of the format films in the cassette when the gripping device is driven to take out one of the format films from the cassette and brings the taken out format film to the projection station. The vertically movable cassette support is moved up and down stepwisely to selectively bring one of the format films to be projected to the predetermined level where the format film is taken out of the cassette and brought to the projection station.

Abstract: A combined microfiche camera and projection apparatus. The apparatus includes an objective lens for forming a real image on the input end of a coherent bundle of light fibers (internally reflecting glass fibers). The output end of the bundle is dispersed into a plurality of spaced-apart coherent fiber sub-bundles. The ends of the latter terminate contiguous to the emulsion of a microfiche. A projection screen is spaced from the microfiche. The device functions both to record and to read out.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing image frames from interchangeable sets of disk-like photographic film units, preferably through a standard television receiver. The film units define sector-shaped, peripherally located notches and are accumulated on a spindle with the notches aligned on a common axis extending parallel to the spindle. The apparatus is provided with a carriage for receiving the interchangeable sets in a predetermined orientation, and includes an optical head, and means for relatively indexing the film units and the optical head both axially and rotationally. The notches accommodate the optical head and facilitate the relative axial indexing to select a particular film unit for viewing. The selected film unit is then released for rotation on the spindle, to present the desired frame to the optical head.

Abstract: A projection device for selectively projecting one of a large number of images. A stepper motor operatively positions a selected transparency on a cartridge, containing a plurality of transparencies, within a projection system for illumination and projection of the image from the transparency onto a viewing screen. Apparatus is provided for automatically identifying the transparency cartridge which is being controlled by the stepper motor and for determining a homing position. The stepper motor always returns the cartridge to a starting or home position before moving the number of steps required to locate the selected transparency within the projection system.

Abstract: Medical specimens suspected of containing harmful microorganisms are diluted in saline solution and the dilution so formed is vacuum loaded into a cuvette or card containing viewing walls having dried selective culture media therein. The dilution rehydrates the culture media, each of which is selective in the sense that its optical characteristics will change when the organism to which it is specific metabolizes within it. A plurality of the cards are loaded into a tray, and the tray is placed on a rotatable carrousel of a card holder unit along with other trays. The carrousel is indexed at periodic intervals, and each time that it is indexed a different tray moves to a reading position facing a card reader unit. The carrousel has a center stack from which heated air is discharged such that it passes along both major surface areas of the cards in the tray, thus maintaining the cards at a temperature suitable for incubating microorganisms in them.

Abstract: An automatic recirculating document handler for use in conjunction with a document reproduction machine wherein each document to be reproduced is retained on a separate, planar carrier, the carriers being recirculated with the documents thereon to prevent wear or damage of the original documents as is common with recirculating document handlers wherein the documents themselves are acted upon by the recirculating mechanisms.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a scanning means for use in an information retrieval system for locating a preselected information bearing element out of a plurality of information bearing elements which are consecutively numbered for identification. The scanning means includes a ramp generator which generates a ramp voltage, drive means for driving the information bearing elements in first and second directions at a rate substantially proportional to the magnitude of the ramp voltage, sensing means for sensing the elements as they are driven, means for causing the drive means to drive the information bearing elements in the first or second direction towards the selected element, means for resetting the ramp generator when the drive means drives the selected element past the sensing means and disabling means for disabling the ramp generator when the selected information bearing element has been located.

Abstract: A combined microfiche camera and projection apparatus. The apparatus includes an objective lens for forming a real image on the input end of a coherent bundle of light fibers (internally reflecting glass fibers). The output end of the bundle is dispersed into a plurality of spaced-apart coherent fiber sub-bundles. The ends of the latter terminate contiguous to the emulsion of a microfiche. A projection screen is spaced from the microfiche. The device functions both to record and to read out.

Abstract: Image-bearing elements made of support material that transmits light longitudinally through its cross-section, in a plane parallel to its image-bearing surface, are disclosed for use in an information retrieval system. The retrieval code used in identifying each element is generated by modulating a directed beam of light transmitted longitudinally through the element's cross-section. Modulation of the directed beam is accomplished by, for example, placing opaque spots on a cross-sectional area of the element, punching holes in the element, or by placing a code mask at the end of the element from which the directed beam emanates. The code modulated beam is photoelectrically detected and the resulting electrical retrieval codes are used in the retrieval process.

Abstract: A shopping aid display viewer having a housing that supports a daylight viewing screen, a second viewing area, and a slide projector for projecting images onto the daylight viewing screen. Purchasable items such as wearing apparel, gifts, notions, accessories, athletic equipment, real estate, visitor attractions, or any particular product or service that one may wish to advertise are sequentially displayed automatically or manually on the viewing screen. Outlets displaying the items or services are simultaneously shown on the second viewing area as a map locator guide. An automatic telephone dialing device can then be actuated to contact a specific outlet or location if the viewer user so chooses.

Abstract: Television broadcast market survey data is recorded on microfiche and displayed on a microfiche reader. The data is recorded in basic data zones each of which is reserved for a single market, such as New York, Los Angeles, Detroit or one of the hundreds of other designated market areas of the U.S.A. Each data zone is of the same size regardless of the size of the market or whether the amount of data to be stored is sufficient to fill the zone. The data is divided into several parts, such as "network program averages," "program audience averages," "time period averages," "day-part summaries" etc. A separate location is reserved within each basic data zone for each type of data, and each type of data always appears at the same location in each data zone. Each fiche is assigned a code representing a broadcast market, and is selected by operating keys on the reader device.

Abstract: A plastic microfiche carrier is made from two clear plastic sheets, which fit together in a face-to-face relationship to form an envelope that is open on one end and sealed on the other end and along two sides. One of the plastic sheets is embossed to provide a central clearance between the sheets for enabling insertion of a replaceable microfiche film. The clearance formed by the embossment on the other side enables the carrier to be slipped into a cartridge without binding in the thickness dimension. The corners of the carrier are tapered to facilitate an alignment of the microfiche library file within the cartridge. The edges of the carrier are notched to releasably hold the microfiche library film while it is inside the cartridge.

Abstract: A device operative with endless loop cartridges containing reflective microfilm lists of invalid credit cards is configured for receiving at a bank of slots separate cartridges to be supplied by each credit organization. A credit card holder has plural guides, each guide for the credit card of a different organization. A sensing switch is provided for detecting the presence of a credit card in a guide. The switches are each connected to associated ones of plural projector light sources, and plural magnetic clutches for driving the cartridges from a common motor. A projected list image for the associated credit card organization, is run serially past a segmented screen in response to the switch and a motor speed control unit.

Abstract: A microfiche reader has a carrier which includes means for transporting a microfiche film with a rectilinear movement. The carrier has two plates of glass for receiving a microfiche between them. As the carrier moves to one extremity of its rectilinear movement, the cover glass automatically opens to enable manual access to the microfiche between the glass. At another extremity of its movement, the carrier moves one or more image lenses out of contact with the cover glass while precluding any chipping of the edge of the glass.

Abstract: A microfiche reader includes first and second plates, with a plurality of light sources disposed with the first plate in an array of rows and columns, and a plurality of lens disposed with the second plate in a row-column array, each lens corresponding to one of the light sources. Means are provided for movably positioning a film having information thereon between the plates, and for moving the film with respect to the plates.

Abstract: A photocomposing machine for producing an exposed sheet for use in the preparation of printing plates. An image is positioned on a sheet of sensitized material by having an object mounted on a carrier and driving the carrier until the position of the image is correctly positioned. The accurate positioning of the image is controlled by a grid line counting device which causes the carrier to be halted at a position corresponding to one of the grid lines of the grid line counting device.